A construction contractor of the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) and its sub-contractor as well as a transportation company that illegally disposed of construction waste were fined a total of $80,000 at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (April 12) for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO).
 
     A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that the department received a report from the public in June last year that construction waste was illegally deposited near Kingswood Villas in Tin Shui Wai. During the investigation, the EPD found that bulky concrete blocks were deposited at the area. After tracing their source, it was confirmed that the waste was generated from the demolition works of an HKHS' construction site in Sham Shui Po. The EPD subsequently initiated prosecution against the contractor, the sub-contractor and the transportation company involved in accordance with the WDO.
 
     Under the WDO, it is an offence for anyone to dispose of waste in public places or on government land or without the permission of land owners. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. A maximum fine of $500,000 and six months' imprisonment may be imposed on second or subsequent convictions. In addition, a daily fine of $10,000 may be imposed for a continuing offence.
 
     The spokesman also reminded members of the construction industry and the transportation sector to exercise due diligence to dispose of waste in accordance with the law. Otherwise, they will be subject to prosecution.

Ends/Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Issued at HKT 15:03

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